Tim looks at the teams that didn't make the final four
March 30 , 2005
The following is a review of all the clubs that will be spectators to this season's First Division Red finals.
DOUBLEVIEW
When asked pre-season to select my finishing order in 1st Red, I listed Doubleview as running 4th. I know this raised a few eyebrows and a couple of friends of mine questioned my sanity by openly stating that Doubleview will win the premiership easily.
I based my judgement on the fact that I believed Doubleview would sorely miss John & Jarrad Rainoldi (John in particular). I also saw for the first time that I can recall, Doubleview had players in their top side that would not be automatic choices at all other clubs.
Moreover, the decision of the clubs most decorated player in Dennis Katunarich to play third also raised questions in my mind about how "hungry" some of the stars like Dennis, Robbie Ball, Lindsay Thorn were. They and others have tasted nothing but success and perhaps did not realise that other clubs had recruited extremely well and levelled the playing field.
No matter how classy you are, if your opponent wants it more, then generally they will take it.
WHERE TO NOW?
Doubleview are a great club with a proud history over the past fifteen years. With 9 players that are current or have played for the State in the past 5 years they should see this season as an aberration rather than they are on the skids.
The move of John Slavich to skipper will turn out to be a masterstroke given time. I think Doubleview may continue to promote the younger players such as Bruce Urquhart to skippering posts. Given the right planning I think Doubleview have a lot more success to look forward to.
LEEMING
Great season by the newcomers to the division. The recruiting of Rhett Butler and Anthony Provost were the coups of the year. Leeming have a number of very good one red players and will continue to improve. As they demonstrated, when on song they are very good side and capable of matching it with anyone.
WHERE TO NOW?
I hear whispers that the club will gain significantly in recruiting next year. They are a club on the rise and can also look forward with a warranted degree of optimism.
MELVILLE
Good solid season and were always competitive. Perhaps a little too much reliance
on the rinks of Jon Sharp and Jeff Hall but in Cameron Girvan they have a player
capable of succeeding at the top level.
WHERE TO NOW? They must be on the lookout for quality recruits. They are in danger of sliding
if Sharpy decides against the travel regime next year. They have been a very
good club over an extended period and I am sure their administrators will get
it right.
OSBORNE PARK
A poor season given the quality of the players at the club. They will re-group
and will probably be one of the forces in the competition next season provided
they do not lose too many players.
WHERE TO NOW?
John Goddard has to reduce his workload at the club. They tell me he not only selects, skippers but also acts as "umpire of the day" at times. They must also recruit their own players before looking around as the airwaves are full of Osborne Park players heading elsewhere next year.
YOKINE
Unlucky to lose so many players pre-season but responded in style. Whilst they may have been relegated they certainly salvaged a lot of pride and respect from the bowling fraternity.
WHERE TO NOW?
Straight back to First Division Red after a year in White.
VICTORIA PARK
Disappointing performance in the extreme. Should have done much, much better. With skippers the calibre of Wishart, Opie, Withers & Simpson you just should not finish 10th in a 10 team field.
WHERE TO NOW?
If they retain most of their players they will follow Yokine back into One Red. If not, they are sailing directly towards the reef of hard times.
